(Commonwealth_ India) Generative AI has quickly evolved from being just a trendy concept to an essential component in driving business success for organizations across India. With most business leaders prioritizing the integration of AI into their operations, the technology is considered a critical tool for growth and innovation. However, despite its growing importance, a significant barrier remains: the lack of professionals equipped with the necessary AI and related skills to fully leverage its potential. A recent report from LinkedIn highlights this challenge, offering insights into the state of AI adoption in the country and the hurdles faced by businesses in the search for qualified talent.
According to the LinkedIn report, nearly 54% of human resources (HR) professionals in India note that less than half of the job applications they receive meet the required and preferred qualifications for the positions they are hiring for. This gap is particularly noticeable in the fields that require specialized technical expertise, such as software development, engineering, and AI. The report also highlights that the most difficult-to-find skills in the current Indian job market are technical and IT-related abilities, with AI-specific expertise being notably scarce. Alongside technical skills, soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving are also in high demand, making recruitment a challenge for HR teams.
The shortage of qualified candidates is forcing businesses to adopt more selective hiring practices. As the report reveals, over half of HR professionals in India are now focusing on reaching out to and hiring only those candidates who meet at least 80% of the qualifications for a given role. This trend toward “selective hiring” reflects the increasing emphasis on finding professionals who possess the right combination of both technical and soft skills, which are necessary for organizations to successfully implement AI technologies and keep up with the rapidly changing business landscape.
India has become the second-largest market for LinkedIn in terms of membership, with the platform growing at a rate of over 20% year-on-year. The country now boasts well over 150 million members, underscoring the growing interest in professional networking and talent development. In light of this, Ruchee Anand, the India Country Head of Talent & Learning Solutions at LinkedIn, stresses the importance of adopting a “skills-first” approach to hiring. She points out that while AI is revolutionizing the way businesses operate, its full potential can only be realized when organizations have the right people to work alongside the technology.
Anand argues that businesses often make the mistake of investing heavily in AI tools without first ensuring they have the talent to utilize them effectively. Without the right human skills, such as creativity, communication, and collaboration, AI will not be able to drive the innovation and competitive advantage that companies expect. She emphasizes that a shift toward a skills-first approach to recruitment is essential for companies to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape. By prioritizing the acquisition of specific skills rather than focusing solely on qualifications or job titles, companies will be better positioned to harness the full potential of AI and other emerging technologies.
Recognizing the pressing need to address the skills gap, many Indian companies are increasingly investing in upskilling initiatives to bridge the divide. This focus on employee development is not limited to junior or mid-level employees but extends to leadership as well. Nearly 48% of Indian business leaders have identified learning and development, particularly in AI training, as a key factor in accelerating the adoption of AI within their organizations. By equipping their workforce with the right skills, companies hope to foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation, which will help them remain competitive in an increasingly AI-driven business environment.
The LinkedIn report is based on a mix of survey data and insights derived from the platform’s vast professional network. It includes responses from over 1,991 C-suite executives and more than 300 Chief Human Resources Officers working in large organizations with over 1,000 employees. This comprehensive study sheds light on the current challenges faced by businesses in India as they attempt to tap into the vast potential of AI and underscores the importance of prioritizing skills development to stay ahead in the competitive global marketplace.
In conclusion, while AI adoption is rapidly becoming a priority for businesses in India, the lack of qualified professionals with the necessary technical and soft skills remains a significant challenge. To unlock the full potential of AI, companies must take a proactive approach to hiring and upskilling, placing a strong emphasis on the development of human skills that complement the technology. By doing so, they can ensure that AI serves as a tool for growth and innovation, rather than a missed opportunity.
